Use the Entire Time Given to You, Like Giannis Antetokounmpo

If you’ve ever watched the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo at the free throw line, you’ve probably noticed two things:

1️⃣ He takes his time. Like, all of it.

2️⃣ He still misses. Sometimes a lot.

NBA players have 10 seconds to shoot a free throw, and Giannis often uses every second—sometimes going over and getting whistled for a violation. He’s not doing it for show. It’s part of his deliberate routine. He’s calming his nerves, focusing his mind, and trying to follow the process he believes gives him the best chance.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was just 53.3% from the free throw line during the Milwaukee Bucks' loss to the Indiana Pacers, 117-98, yesterday.

And that’s the point.He knows he might miss—in fact, he was just 8 out 15 (53.3%) in Game 1 of the first-round playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. But, at least, he’s not going to miss because he rushed.

That’s a bar exam lesson in disguise.

The Bar Exam Version of Giannis’ Routine

Too many examinees treat finishing early like it’s a flex. It’s not. On the bar exam, there’s no prize for being the first to stop typing or bubbling. You usually can’t leave the examination room early. And more importantly, you’re probably leaving points on the table even if you could.

✅ You get 30 minutes per essay. Use them.

Go back. Tighten your rule statements. Add analysis. Check your organization. Add in a missing “because.” Don't stop just because you got to the end.

✅ You get 90 minutes for the MPT. Use them.

Reread the task memo. Make sure you addressed every part. Double-check that your formatting matches the assignment. Smooth out your transitions.

✅ You get 1 minute and 48 seconds per MBE question (on average).

Use that time to think critically, not just quickly. Don’t move on because “C feels right.” Make sure you’re eliminating wrong answers with confidence.

And if you don’t know the rule? Even more reason to sit with the question a little longer. Giving your brain more time might trigger a memory or help you piece something together. You might surprise yourself with what you actually know—but only if you give yourself the chance to find it.

Remember: Giannis Still Misses. But He Doesn’t Rush.

And that’s what you should take with you. Even when you’re not sure, even when your confidence wavers—don’t rush the process. Use all the time you have.

Because the only thing worse than getting it wrong …

… is getting it wrong and realizing you had time left to make it right.